Remote Neurostimulator Programming via Intermediary Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current neurostimulation systems require frequent in-person adjustments and reprogramming, which is inconvenient for patients in remote locations, elderly individuals, or vulnerable populations, and lack remote programming capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for remotely programming implanted neurostimulation systems using intermediary devices and specialized software, allowing communication between the implanted device, a patient's smartphone or tablet, and a remote clinician, enabling secure and convenient adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If in-person office visits are used for reprogramming, then treatment adjustments can be made with direct clinician-patient interaction, but patient convenience deteriorates and time loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment adjustment reliabilityVSAvoidtime loss for in-person visits

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a remote communication system as an intermediary between the clinician and the implanted neurostimulation system. This intermediary enables programming adjustments to be transmitted wirelessly to the implantable pulse generator without requiring physical presence, thus resolving the contradiction by maintaining treatment reliability while eliminating time loss associated with in-person visits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical in-person visit system with a wireless communication system. The physical presence and manual programming process are substituted with remote communication protocols that allow clinicians to program the implantable pulse generator from a distance, thereby maintaining treatment effectiveness while significantly reducing time loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If in-person office visits are used for reprogramming, then treatment adjustments can be made with direct clinician-patient interaction, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment adjustment reliabilityVSAvoidpatient accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The remote communication system acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between clinician and patient without requiring physical interaction. The system enables treatment adjustments to be made remotely, significantly improving patient accessibility and ease of operation while maintaining the reliability of treatment adjustments through secure wireless communication protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If remote programming capability is added, then patient convenience improves and time loss is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime loss reductionVSAvoidcommunication system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the existing implanted neurostimulation system to perform remote programming in addition to its original local programming function. The system maintains backward compatibility while adding wireless communication capabilities, allowing a single device to serve multiple programming purposes without requiring separate dedicated remote programming equipment, thus managing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If remote programming capability is added, then patient convenience improves and ease of operation improves, but reliability challenges increase due to lack of in-person verification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote accessibilityVSAvoidprogramming accuracy verification

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms that enable verification of programming accuracy remotely. The system allows transmission of programming parameters and treatment efficacy data back to the clinician, enabling remote verification and adjustment of programming settings. This feedback loop maintains reliability by ensuring programming accuracy can be confirmed without requiring in-person presence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12491370B2Devices and methods for remote programming of implanted neurostimulation systems

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 AXONICS INC

AI summary

Methods and devices for facilitating remote programming of an implanted neurostimulation device are provided herein. Such methods include establishing communication between an implanted pulse generator of the neurostimulation system and a remote device associated with a remote support entity through one or more intermediary devices. The intermediary devices can include any of: a patient remote, a charger, a specialized communicator device, a plug-in accessory, and a patient device to facilitate communication of patient and program information for a current neurostimulation therapy. The remote device determines or receives a program update of one or more parameters or a new neurostimulation program and updates the implantable pulse generator through the intermediary devices. The patient device and remote device can further include a software framework to facilitate communication between the patient and the remote support entity in a live programming session, as well as collecting subjective/objective patient information regarding the current treatment.